Columbus Monthly Bonus Content: The Columbus Foundation Special Community Report

SPECIAL COMMUNITY REPORT FOR COLUMBUS MONTHLY READERS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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A Message to the Community

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Emergency Response Fund

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On the Front Lines

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Serving with Purpose

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Addressing the Digital Divide

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The Big Give 2020

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Governing Committee & Leadership Team

OUR MISSION

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

OUR PROMISE

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

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COLUMBUS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2020 COLUMBUS FOUNDATION

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Through kindness, we acknowledge our humanity. We are all part of the whole, connected to the community. In short, we are kin. We must hold fast to that united sense of kinship through kind and generous acts that bring joy in the face of uncertainty and fear.

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A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY

Dear friends, We write the introduction to this report at a time of myriad and epic crises in America. There is a new legacy map in the making, and how we respond will define our generation.

For this work, we bring both a compass and a calling. We have no idea of what will land on the shoreline of tomorrow, but we are ready to respond. We understand that, as ancient Greek text reads, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty (and, we might add, health and justice). We can’t rest on an amazing 75-year track record as an organization, for, as Aldous Huxley once said, “Experience is not what happens to you, it’s what you do with what happens to you.”

Our 75th anniversary celebration in 2019 was kicked off with a reading by a diverse array of civic leaders of “Freedom’s Plow” by Langston Hughes, which contains these words of unity written in the year of the founding of The Columbus Foundation, 1943, words that inspired the theme of this year’s annual report:

Not my dream alone, but our dream.

Not my world alone, But your world and my world, Belonging to all the hands who build.

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FROM LEFT: Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO, and Dwight E. Smith, Governing Committee Chairman. Photo by Challen Brown

We are builders, all. We are proud of the efforts of all of our staff who dedicate themselves to our donors and financial and legal advisors as all look to help others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Together, we aspire to what the late John Lewis called “love in action.”

For a great look at love in action at The Columbus Foundation, you might first look at the Gifts of Kindness Fund. It was established by a generous donor in 2014 as a way to not only provide immediate, onetime grants to help lift up individuals and families who experience an

unexpected setback, but to illustrate how acts of kindness throughout our community make a difference— and inspire others to do the same.

Today, the Gifts of Kindness Fund welcomes gifts from many in our community, and has been working over its short but impactful history with 30 partner nonprofits to help over 1,300 families, totaling more than 5,000 family members, meet their emergency needs.

We are very pleased that Dr. Amy Acton has returned to The Columbus Foundation in the role of leading Kind Columbus, of which the Gifts of Kindness is one valuable part.

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We are the product of those who believe in and support us.

We couldn’t succeed without those who devote their special talents and resources to our improvement, and that well describes the quiet but exceptional leadership and support that Matt Walter showed during his nine years on the Governing Committee, the last three of which were as our Chairman. Thanks, Matt, for all you made possible, for now, and for the future!

Just as we kicked off our 75th anniversary in celebration and embrace of a great national artist’s words as noted above, the grant we concluded that 75th anniversary with was in celebration of a great local artist’s contributions and legacy. That artist is Aminah Robinson, who passed away in 2015. The grant covered the entire cost of the restoration of Aminah’s home, located not far from The Columbus Foundation, so that it can be a place of remembrance and honor, but also so it can serve as a place for artists’ residencies for decades to come. Aminah created the masterful work that celebrates our 50th anniversary that you can see as you arrive at The Columbus Foundation; we take great pride in returning the favor by making this capstone, 75th anniversary grant to further preserve her memory.

We also want to acknowledge

The Foundation’s final grant celebrating its 75th anniversary restored Aminah Robinson’s home, which will be used for an artist-in-residence program. Photos by Ira Graham

the extraordinary generosity that has further strengthened The Columbus Foundation in perpetuity through commitments to our Once in a Generation campaign during our 75th anniversary year. These commitments to the permanent funds of the Foundation will preserve the legacies of those contributors forever, and will make sure we can further invigorate this unique engine of community progress for all—for now, and for generations to come.

As the Foundation’s Chairman and President and CEO, we stand close to each other and to you in generous kinship, but in our photo, socially distant as recommended.

Our serious countenance is in acknowledgement of the gravity of what we are facing in our community, nation, and world today.

There are expansive possibilities and needs for generosity, service, empathy, justice, and community progress, for all. This is your and our legacy in the making—thanks for giving us the chance to write this community story with you.

DWIGHT E. SMITH Chairman

DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER President and CEO

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Emergency Fund offers hope, thanks to kindness of donors

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he Columbus Foundation was born in the midst of World War II, during one of our country’s darkest, most frightening times. But even these past events could not have prepared us for the challenges and uncertainty 2020 would bring.

When the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the United States, there was no denying the virus, once a threat affecting those halfway around the world, would impact us locally. It wasn’t long before the pandemic took hold in central Ohio, upending lives due to a state-wide shutdown and an economy that ground to a halt.

In the early days of the pandemic, before even the first cases in Ohio were confirmed, the Foundation’s leadership recognized there would be immediate implications for the nonprofits serving our community. Whether on the front lines of healthcare, food, housing, education, or childcare, all who serve our community would be challenged by the crisis at hand.

On March 10, just one day after the first case in Ohio was announced, the Foundation’s

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COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund (ERF) was established to support Franklin County nonprofit organizations as they responded to the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Being prepared was important, as was providing an immediate opportunity for our donor family and others to support efforts that would combat the growing crisis.

“Readiness is all,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Foundation, when the new fund was established. “Of course, we hope none of these steps are needed and that there will be little or no spread of COVID-19, but we want to be ready so we don’t have to rush if things turn worse. It is our responsibility to our community to do so. We cannot forsake forethought, kindness, and love in the presence of concern and fear.”

Response from Columbus Foundation donors was remarkable. During a bleak time that called for courage, strength, and kindness, those looking for a way to help address the needs and equip nonprofits for a surge in needed services came forward to

“I believe we are united by a culture of selflessness and an aspiration that our community’s prosperity will be defined by the extent to which we can care for one another, and how well we are able to create shared opportunity for everyone.”

—MATT SCANTLAND, COLUMBUS FOUNDATION DONOR

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generously support the fund.

“It just felt important to do what we could to help,” said Columbus Foundation donor Matt Scantland on why he and his wife Meara chose to support the Emergency Response Fund. “Of course, no one really knew at the time exactly what COVID-19 would bring, but it seemed so obvious that the impact was going to be defined by how we react, and how well we support each other to get through the challenge.”

Within a week, the ERF had grown to $3 million, and the first grants were deployed. The ERF, seeded by unrestricted funds from the Robert B. Hurst Fund of The Columbus Foundation was supported by a growing number of Foundation donors, including a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor.

Those initial grants went to organizations that were grappling with immediate needs related to food, housing, and healthcare supplies.

Many of those who supported the effort did so through their Donor Advised Funds. Grant dollars from Columbus Foundation Donor Advised Funds in March and April, including those made to the ERF, as well as general support to organizations donors care about all over the country, were up 81 percent over the same period in 2019, with $30.2 million awarded in 2020 compared to $16.7 million in 2019.

“This is a terrific example of how donors can quickly and thoughtfully support the nonprofits, issues, and causes

they care about,” said Angela Parsons, J.D., CAP®, Vice President for Donor Services at the Foundation. “In times of need, including emergencies, Donor Advised Funds enable donors to take a very hands-on, active role in their philanthropy. These funds are flexible, and are ideal for those wanting to give to multiple organizations and programs.”

The desire to help stabilize the nonprofit community and join together with others to fight the growing crisis prompted donors to step up and to expand their giving to address the pandemic.

“Bill and I normally focus our philanthropic investments on creating opportunities for underserved young people through educational and youth empowerment initiatives. However, we knew as this crisis began that our response had to be different than normal. We knew that the need was immediate and basic,” said Susan DeWitt Eubanks, Columbus Foundation donor.

“I have personally worked with many local outstanding social service nonprofits over the years, and Dan Sharpe helped us to understand how the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund would help support those organizations that were meeting the most basic and immediate needs on the front lines. Our support for it was a nobrainer.”

As of late July, the fund continues to provide much-needed relief to nonprofits as they adjust to serving their clients in new ways.

More than 140 grants totaling over $5 million have been deployed.

Unrestricted Fund seeds Emergency Response Fund

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obert B. Hurst was a successful businessman known for his generosity to his family and his community.

That legacy of helping continues today through the Robert B. Hurst Fund, established at the Foundation in December 1986 as a gift to “enable the Foundation to respond to many new challenges and opportunities.”

Mr. Hurst, an honors graduate of North High School, was president of both the Mt. Perry Coal Company and Concord Coal Company.

The Robert B. Hurst Fund provided a $500,000 grant to seed the Emergency Response Fund, illustrating that generations later his love and commitment to our community is helping the Foundation respond to an unprecedented and unforeseen crisis.

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

On the Front Lines Nonprofits rise to challenge of battling COVID-19 Photo courtesy of Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center

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While central Ohio nonprofits are accustomed to changing course and responding to evolving community needs, no one was prepared for what 2020 had in store. As COVID-19 loomed, like a storm in the distance, nonprofit leaders braced for the unknown.

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hen the storm arrived, it left no one untouched.

From the arts to the zoo, every organization had to take inventory of their needs and capabilities, which included confronting the need for many unanticipated expenses.

While some organizations were less impacted by the immediate threat, others were gearing up for a possible breakdown in the local healthcare system. Personal protective equipment (PPE), i.e. the masks, gloves, and gowns that help keep our healthcare workers safe, were in short supply. Others that work with the community’s most vulnerable residents suddenly could not safely get to them, or host them for food, shelter, and other vital services.

Every organization was affected in some way. It was, in a word that became synonymous with this time, unprecedented.

But, as the reality of the situation came into focus, Columbus did what it does best—it rallied together.

Shelter systems teamed up to establish real-time solutions. Those providing food to seniors re-shaped distribution to ensure safe delivery of meals. Mental health counselors, a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental illness or addiction issues, found new ways to reach their patients through telehealth services.

To help address the needs of its residents, Homeport held monthly produce distributions at two of its communities, Pheasant Run and Marsh Run. Produce was available for anyone living in a Homeport community, as well as the community at large.

Photo courtesy of Homeport

“The sector has always been highly collaborative, but COVID-19 really brought solutions-oriented, problem-solving efforts to the forefront,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management at the Foundation. “Innovative collaborations have been put in place to reduce and remove barriers to better serve those in need.”

As the number of COVID-19 cases grew, and life came to a near standstill for most, there was an unmistakable surge in need for many nonprofits. In addition to helping others, organizations had to take into account their own

viability as planned fundraising events and social enterprise businesses were halted.

“Organizations saw a double digit increase from those requesting, and in need of, services, with a large proportion of persons seeking help for the first time,” explained Sharpe.

“Furloughed and laid off individuals, and those who were already on the margins, experienced increased uncertainty amid COVID-19.

They also faced new barriers to receiving services from reduced public transit availability, closed childcare facilities, or lack of access to technology to take advantage of many programs that switched to digital platforms.”

Funds like the Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund (ERF) were critical to nonprofits’ early response, as well as the ongoing efforts to support those they serve.

More than 140 grants were awarded from the ERF between March and the end of July. Those grants served as a lifeline for organizations of all sizes as they addressed changing needs in our community and their clients’ lives.

Through extraordinary support from Columbus Foundation donors, nonprofits continue to rise to this historic occasion, fulfilling critical missions that strengthen our community. This support and kindness offers nonprofits an important ingredient of making it through this crisis—hope.

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Serving with Purpose The Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund was established to provide a way to quickly distribute grants critical to nonprofits’ early response in the pandemic, as well as the ongoing efforts to support those they serve in this new and ever-evolving reality.

While the work continues, and the hills to climb remain steep, we applaud all the nonprofits that rose swiftly to this historic occasion, tirelessly working to fulfill critical missions that strengthen our community and support those who call it home.

Here are a few of their stories.

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LifeCare Alliance received a $200,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund to help the organization increase the number of home-delivered meals through its Meals on Wheels program.

LifeCare Alliance “We’re

one of the very few cities, thanks to the generosity of The Columbus Foundation and the rest of the community, that has been able to say ‘you’re covered.’”

—CHUCK GEHRING

As COVID-19 swept into central Ohio, LifeCare Alliance saw a surge in need for meal delivery to seniors throughout the community.

Photo courtesy of LifeCare Alliance

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t’s often the highlight of their day: seeing a car drive up, being greeted by a friendly face, and receiving a hot meal.

LifeCare Alliance prides itself on providing meals to seniors in the central Ohio area, and is especially proud that the organization has no wait list for its popular Meals on Wheels program. Many similar programs around the state and across the country reportedly have wait lists in the thousands.

Founded in 1898 as the Instructive District Nursing Association, LifeCare Alliance provides a comprehensive array of health and nutrition services to residents of Franklin County and many other counties in Ohio.

When COVID-19 struck, senior centers and dining facilities serviced by LifeCare Alliance were shuttered. Chuck Gehring, President and CEO of LifeCare Alliance, said his organization had to pivot to continue serving clients who utilized those services, as well as to address a surge of additional older residents in need.

“A lot of people depend on the meal we provide, from both a nutritional and financial standpoint,” explained Gehring.

Before the pandemic, about 800 people were receiving meals, either at a senior dining center or one of the senior living facilities.

While those 800 individuals began receiving Meals on Wheels after the dining facilities closed, there were also more than 2,000 new clients requesting help. These seniors had previously relied on a relative or friend to take them to the store or bring groceries to them.

Even with special shopping hours implemented by local grocers for sensitive populations, many were afraid to go out.

“They all were able to get along just fine before the pandemic, but this was a different ball game,” Gehring said.

As of mid-May, LifeCare Alliance was delivering an average of 5,000 meals a day to Meals on Wheels clients, 65 percent more than they were on March 1. Throughout the pandemic, LifeCare Alliance has also continued to provide meals to individuals and families through the Columbus Cancer Clinic and Project OpenHand, a program for men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in central Ohio and their families.

Thanks to Columbus Foundation donors, and generous corporate support, LifeCare Alliance was able to shift resources within the organization and increase the number of meals being produced, all while keeping its core purpose, “to serve those in need, through compassionate, responsive, quality care.”

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

The YMCA received a $300,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund. One of the first grants awarded, the funds were used to address immediate housing needs, as well as to help with childcare needs as a result of the pandemic.

YMCA of Central Ohio

The YMCA utilized additional space during the early days of the pandemic, including the gymnasium at the Hilltop YMCA.

“Our

priority was to focus on the hierarchy of needs. The first thing we did was focus where we could lean in. Where can we help?”

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Central Ohio

—TONY COLLINS

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he first move for the YMCA of Central Ohio, when the pandemic struck, was a critical one.

Knowing women, men, and children were already in overcrowded shelters around the city, the priority was to decentralize its locations to ensure social distancing and reduce the spread of the virus.

That’s not an easy task when you consider YMCA is the largest supportive housing provider for the homeless in central Ohio, with 1,800 people under its roofs before the crisis—more than 700 at the Van Buren Center, and 1,100 in permanent supportive housing.

“Coming into the crisis, the Van Buren Center, our shelter for women and families, was so over capacity that not only could we not take on more when people were told to stay at home, but the people already in the emergency shelter couldn’t safely distance themselves,” said Tony Collins, CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio. “We immediately needed to decentralize our shelters and find spaces to put the people we were currently serving.”

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existing collaborative relationship of Columbus’ shelter system.

“The Community Shelter Board network is very unique to Columbus,” Collins said. “It is an incredibly collaborative atmosphere developed to make sure the continuum of housing is dealt with and people, wherever they are in their life, have a resource.”

Collins knew that network would be key, and the YMCA had to work with other shelter providers to find a solution, since all were at capacity.

“Membership services were closed at our Downtown YMCA location on Long Street, so we looked at that closure as an opportunity to provide emergency shelter to 140 individuals,” Collins explained. “We were also able to work with Columbus Recreation and Parks and decentralize even further by placing a group of men, age 65 and older, at Sullivant Gardens Recreation Center.”

Collins said it can take six months under normal circumstances to set up a shelter. They had Long Street open in about a week.

With Van Buren still too crowded, the YMCA took 60 women and moved them over to the Hilltop

YMCA so only families remained at Van Buren.

In addition to keeping the virus at bay, Collins knew that the clients being served were more at risk of developing COVID-19.

“We knew, given the transient lifestyle and all the challenges that our clients see, they would be very susceptible to the virus,” he said.

“We also realized when it does impact them, it would hit them hard because of their vulnerabilities.”

The YMCA worked with the Community Shelter Board to set up an isolation shelter so that those who were diagnosed or showed symptoms had a safe place to stay, receive telehealth services, and recover from the virus.

Collins credits his staff, who persevered through multiple challenges to support those they work with on a daily basis.

“Our staff demonstrates strength and courage. We have provided a service to the community that many may never know about, but the folks who have done it have done it with a cause-driven mindset in knowing that it’s our role to serve. That’s been pretty incredible.”

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Columbus Urban League received a $75,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund to strengthen and increase service delivery, including staffing, in response to COVID-19.

Columbus Urban League “Housing

stabilization was, and is, one of the biggest challenges.

Your dollars helped provide support for salaries to keep team members in play here at Columbus Urban League so they could help folks navigate that process.”

in the lower realm of the economic ladder when it comes to pay equity,” said Hightower. “We know that housing is already not stable for Black people in our community. We know that with the schools closing, the summer learning loss that most kids in the urban school districts experience was going to be exacerbated tenfold.”

—STEPHANIE HIGHTOWER

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hile the COVID-19 virus has had injurious effects on the health of millions of people across the United States, the disease has disproportionately affected African Americans. This alarming trend has proven true in central Ohio as well, with Black individuals overrepresented in both cases and hospitalizations.

The disparity puts an additional strain on a population already challenged by health and economic discrepancies, explained Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of Columbus Urban League (CUL).

CUL has been on the front lines of helping the Black community address the overall impact of the pandemic, including those who have lost employment and the clients they serve who are re-entering the community after incarceration.

“We know that we [the Black community] have been economically marginalized and are

Columbus Urban League staff reconfigured its office space to ensure social distancing.

Photo courtesy of CUL

The grant from the Emergency Response Fund helped CUL with a number of efforts, from refurbishing computers and implementing new communications efforts, to providing additional staffing hours as the need to provide inperson services and create virtual programs increased.

“The jumpstart funds from The Columbus Foundation really gave us the ability to communicate the services that were out there, and gave us the ability to keep the Black community connected so they got the necessary and crucial

information to stay healthy, safe, and keep their families safe during the pandemic,” Hightower said.

CUL created two efforts to educate and communicate information related to the pandemic, including the formation of an African American civic leaders’ group, which brought together Black leaders from human services organizations and faith-based institutions, as well as elected officials and activists, to exchange ideas. The group conducted weekly virtual town hall meetings, inviting experts on COVID-19 to discuss how it was affecting the Black population.

With support from the Foundation, CUL was also able to develop a live, weekly radio program broadcast on all three local Radio One stations that helped share valuable information and resources with the Black community.

“Because we had so many people working remotely, we had to expand our IT infrastructure,” Hightower explained. “We also bought PPE for staff who had to go out and were part of food drives, or if clients were coming in.”

Hightower is excited about the opportunity to serve even more people in the future, saying the pandemic has given the organization a chance to reposition and elevate CUL’s profile in the community.

“I’m a firm believer that you don’t let a good crisis go to waste, and that’s what we’ve done here,” she said. “We’ve made sure that we were where we were supposed to be—able to help the community that we were created to serve in the first place.”

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

A $63,865 grant from the Emergency Response Fund to Southeast Healthcare supported various needs, including costs to implement telehealth services for clients and the purchase of medical and sanitation supplies.

Southeast Healthcare

Continuing contact with patients has been a priority for Southeast Healthcare, and telehealth has been a safe alternative to seeing patients in the office.

“The

capacity to offer telehealth services in a variety of formats has been the most significant change in our service delivery strategy.”

Photo courtesy of Southeast Healthcare

—BILL LEE

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comprehensive provider for those dealing with issues surrounding mental health, addiction, and homelessness, Southeast Healthcare is a lifeline for its clients.

Following Governor DeWine’s stayat-home order, the organization knew it had to limit in-person contact, and focused on acquiring the equipment and software needed to move its services to an online platform.

“With the support from the Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund we were able to purchase iPads, cell phones, and conferencing software that facilitated our ability to continue to have contact with our patients to deliver primary care, counseling, MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment), and psychiatric services using telehealth,” said Bill Lee, CEO of Southeast Healthcare.

“Many of our patients have chronic medical conditions that need continuous monitoring and support to maintain their health.”

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pandemic, as well as individuals battling addiction, are especially hard hit by isolation.

“The telehealth option has also been essential in supporting our mental health and addiction treatment efforts. Without these supports, our patients are at a much greater risk for exacerbation of symptoms,” Lee said. “We have been able to continue regular contact with our patients to provide ongoing treatment, support, and crisis intervention, which has been essential to assist in managing the stress that has impacted our entire community; the funding has supported continued safe access to care.”

While Lee and his team were able to convert many to telehealth services, some primary and behavioral healthcare services continued in person, both at Southeast Healthcare’s facility and in the community. Support from the Emergency Response Fund also allowed Southeast Healthcare to purchase PPE to keep clients and staff safe.

“The PPE we purchased, especially masks, has been

essential to reduce the exposure risk to our workforce,” Lee said.

“We are screening all patients, visitors, and staff at all our locations. We are also screening and testing for COVID-19, which is an essential service for our patients and the community.

Southeast Healthcare also operates a men’s shelter, Friends of the Homeless, as well as a pharmacy for patients. The PPE has allowed staff to continue to fill and refill medications, and also has enabled the organization’s Rapid Response Emergency Addiction and Crisis Team (RREACT) to continue outreach to overdose survivors and expand their capacity to conduct community visits.

“We simply would not have been able to continue in-person services if we could not obtain the needed PPE. We were also able to purchase hand sanitizer, and when we could not find hand sanitizer, we purchased the ingredients to make our own. All of these efforts have supported our workforce to keep in-person services available,” said Lee.

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A $40,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund to Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center provided food, household and personal necessities, and supported an emergency fund to help families meet basic needs.

ClintonvilleBeechwold Community Resources Center “Food,

shelter, healthcare—these things are in greater jeopardy than ever before. Not since World War II has our society had to come together around a common threat, and it’s certainly encouraging to see that we are able to rise to that occasion.

We’ll make sure that everything is okay, because we’re going to make things okay!”

—BILL OWENS

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or almost 50 years, Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC) has been providing services that bring individuals and families in the neighborhood together.

With a wide scope of programming that extends from youth to seniors, CRC functions as an extended family of sorts, providing a physical and emotional connection to its neighbors.

From its Choice Food Pantry, to counseling and access to health services, CRC helps meet the evolving needs of the neighborhood and puts individuals and families on a road to self-sustainability.

“We help community members form social networks and supports for one another,” said Bill Owens,

CRC continued to be a critical resource for neighborhood families in need during the city-wide shutdown.

Pictured: Yolanda Phares, CRC Family Services Associate Director Photo courtesy of CRC

Executive Director of CRC. “With COVID-19, that went entirely out the window in terms of being able to physically bring people together.

What we do recognize from this experience is that it’s not just about the physical proximity. We have these connections and are able to support one another even when we’re not able to be together.”

With the largest percentage of people 60 years of age or older in Franklin County living in or around Clintonville, CRC has a robust Senior Supportive Services program that includes both social and health and wellness initiatives. Even the pandemic couldn’t halt a popular monthly get-together that has been in place for seniors since 1983.

“This monthly meal typically includes 50-60 seniors. We were able to arrange for everyone to get lunch on the scheduled date and then everyone ate lunch together, at the same time, but in their own homes,” Owens explained. “That is the strong bond with the people we are here to support.”

It was this bond that intrigued Owens, who has been with CRC almost 25 years.

“I was immediately drawn to CRC because of the really concrete,

meaningful things we can do for people that make their lives better,” he said. “This crisis put those needs and goals we work for at an even higher premium.”

In partnership with Age Friendly Columbus, CRC’s Village in the Ville Program created a Friendly Phone Line to help older adults seeking companionship, conversation, and social connection. Staffed by volunteers and interns from The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work, the program provided 134 hours of phone line coverage during the first two weeks.

CRC’s Choice Pantry continues to be a valued resource to neighborhood individuals and families in need. With the spike in unemployment and more people requesting assistance to get by, Owens said the organization, and staff especially, have risen to the challenge.

“The funds that we received through the Emergency Response Fund enabled us to be certain we have money to spend on the needs we have now,” Owens said. “They gave us the confidence we needed to be able to go forward and provide our service in the best way we can.”

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Addressing the Digital Divide Fund will bolster ongoing efforts to increase accessibility for all

When COVID-19 forced area schools to switch to remote online learning this spring, it became apparent that many students were not being reached because of challenges to online access.

This news prompted The Columbus Foundation to move quickly to get the detailed facts about this challenge on the table and into the hands of civic leaders, so solutions could be put into place to narrow this gap as quickly as possible.

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nternational civil infrastructure research and planning company AECOM was selected by the Foundation to assess the landscape of broadband access in Columbus and recommend ways to address those gaps. The firm compiled data from a large array of sources, including Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Columbus City Schools, American Community Survey, census, and private industry data,

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to ensure the report took into account groundwork research previously laid by regional partners and other resources.

In July, results of that study were released. In regards to the primary question of whether the access gap was driven by poor broadband infrastructure, the answer was a resounding “no.”

Even in the lowest income areas of Columbus, there is at least one high-speed internet provider and

adequate broadband infrastructure for service.

Instead, the study found that gaps in access were largely due to a variety of barriers across different demographics, including economic challenges, technological literacy, and computers or other technological hardware.

Recommendations for closing the gap ranged from short-term solutions, like subsidies and hot spots, to medium-term solutions, such as the expansion of Wi-Fi access points to include parks, community centers, and pedestrian areas. Long-term, public-private partnerships and new technologies will be necessary components to ensure high-speed internet access to all community members.

In addition to commissioning the report, the Foundation coconvened a group of broadband and education experts to discuss ways in which to prioritize action steps to bridge the digital divide.

This group of public and private

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The Columbus Foundation’s Central Ohio Digital Divide Fund addresses connectivity challenges impacting our community today.

sector experts is chaired by Patrick Losinski, President and CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library, which itself has taken valuable steps to increase broadband access to our residents.

“The AECOM broadband study provides foundational data that will guide the development of shortand long-term solutions for the lack of available broadband access in central Ohio. Students without home access are particularly disadvantaged given the new requirements for online education.

Broadband is as important in today’s world as electricity, gas and water—it really is the fourth utility and we must find ways for everyone to get the access they need for school, work, and life,” Losinski stated in a July release.

In late July, the Foundation’s Governing Committee approved the establishment of the Central Ohio Digital Divide Fund. The fund, seeded with $500,000, was created as a branch of the Emergency Response Fund that launched in March to address needs related to COVID-19. Support from the Central Ohio Digital Divide Fund will provide opportunities to expand the research regarding online connectivity challenges, and implement ideas included in the report.

This fund also addresses the interests of individual and corporate funders who now have a way to co-invest in meaningful opportunities to provide ways for more students to be reached for online education.

“We have taken a positive first step in answering some important questions through the initial report,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Foundation, when the fund was announced. “Now, as we move forward as a community, we need to invest in ideas that will help address mid- and long-term solutions for the challenges that are holding some students and families back.”

Anyone can support the Central Ohio Digital Divide Fund through the Foundation’s Giving Store.

VISIT cbusfdn.org/digitaldividefund FOR MORE INFORMATION

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THE BIG GIVE

The Big Give 2020: A Record-Breaking Win for Our Community Thank you, Columbus!

“When you think of what our community has gone through over the past several months—from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our health and jobs, to the pain and suffering felt by those fighting for racial justice—it is almost unimaginable that we would have seen this level of generosity. What an outstanding community moment. The Big Give 2020 should instill deep pride in all of us.”

—DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION

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G

enerosity was in full bloom on June 10-11, as The Columbus Foundation’s signature giving rally, The Big Give, leveraged an extraordinary $32.4 million to support central Ohio nonprofits.

Knowing that the needs of nonprofit organizations have never been greater, Foundation donors and the public gave big to help the causes they love. In addition to providing a platform to give to more than 1,200 eligible nonprofit organizations, the Foundation also included ways participants could support important issues facing our community today, including help for service workers, individuals, families, and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for local nonprofit organizations focused on social justice and racial equity.

The Big Give began with a Bonus Pool of $1.5 million, which climbed to a historic $2 million with additional contributions from the Foundation and its donors. All donations received during the event were increased by Bonus Pool funds on a pro rata basis,

giving everyone who participated the opportunity to have their donation boosted.

In addition, all credit card fees were covered by the Foundation, so 100 percent of donations went directly to the nonprofits.

Leading up to the event, a social media contest called for nominations of “Big Heroes,” people going above and beyond for our community during these challenging times. Nearly 250 people were nominated, and 20 were selected and awarded $1,000 prizes to give to the nonprofit of their choice during the event.

Our community thanks you for the BIG support!

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Results Summary JUNE 10–11, 2020 TOTAL AMOUNT LEVERAGED:

$

32,403,214 80% increase from 2017

1,106

Nonprofit Recipient Organizations of eligible organizations in The Giving Store received at least one donation

47

%

in

cr

ea

se

Donations

17 20 om

44,645

First Out-of-State Donation: New York to Columbus Community Kollel

fr

91%

First Nonprofit Donation: $1,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio

First International Donation: Germany to Intentional Insights

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THE BIG GIVE

GEOGRAPHIC REACH:

50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

12 countries Australia, Andorra, Canada, China, Czechia, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States

NONPROFIT RECIPIENT HIGHLIGHTS:

$

450,000+

raised by all top ten nonprofits

FEATURED COMMUNITY NEEDS:

$

240,280

for three programs providing relief to those affected by COVID-19:

283

52

first-time nonprofit recipients

nonprofits received $100,000 or more

Emergency Response Fund Service! • Gifts of Kindness Fund

$

1,035,748

for three nonprofits addressing social justice and racial equity:

106 nonprofits received 100 donations or more

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Columbus Urban League Legal Aid Society of Columbus YWCA Columbus

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PROGRAM AREA:

CUMULATIVE:

Social Services 26.18% Animal Welfare 20.50% Education 15.55% Arts & Culture 14.21% Health 6.68% Food & Nutrition 6.41%

By Amount

Employment & Economic Development 4.45%

$

84.6M

leveraged through five Big Give events

Housing 4.37% Environment 1.65%

$ Social Services. . .........................................................$7,955,283.72

8.5M NOV 2011

Animal Welfare.......................................................... $6,227,512.20

$

Education.................................................................. $4,724,903.46

10.7M SEP 2013

Arts & Culture............................................................ $4,317,422.40 Health.. ....................................................................... $2,028,801.67 Food & Nutrition.........................................................$1,946,164.62

$

Employment & Economic Development. . .................... $1,352,124.01

15M MAY 2015

Housing. . .................................................................... $1,329,205.27

$

Environment.. ................................................................$501,796.65

18M OCT 2017

Social Services 27.25% Arts & Culture 15.81% Education 12.39% Health 10.85%

$

32.4M JUN 2020

Animal Welfare 10.14% Food & Nutrition 9.45%

By Donation

Employment & Economic Development 5.81% Housing 4.34% Environment 3.95%

Social Services. . ...................................................................... 12,167 Arts & Culture.......................................................................... 7,059

20,700 people gave BIG in 2020!

Education................................................................................ 5,532 Health.. .................................................................................... 4,846 Animal Welfare....................................................................... 4,528 Food & Nutrition...................................................................... 4,221 Employment & Economic Development. . ............................... 2,593 Housing. . .................................................................................. 1,937 Environment.. ............................................................................1,762

THANK YOU! COLUMBUS FOUNDATION OCTOBER 2020 COLUMBUS MONTHLY

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GOVERNING COMMITTEE & LEADERSHIP TEAM

A Governing Committee of nine volunteers provides stewardship for The Columbus Foundation and its charitable activities.

Columbus Foundation Leadership Team

Douglas F. Kridler President and CEO J. Bradley Britton, J.D., LL.M. Director of Planned Giving and General Counsel

Dwight E. Smith

Nancy Kramer

CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

George S. Barrett

Tamera Durrence Vice President for Supporting Foundations Scott G. Heitkamp, CPA Vice President and CFO Steven S. Moore Community Counsel and Director for Donors Services Gregg Oosterbaan Vice President for Information Technology

Joseph A. Chlapaty

Jeffrey W. Edwards

Michael P. Glimcher

Natalie Parscher Vice President for Communications and Marketing Angela G. Parsons, J.D., CAP® Vice President for Donor Services Dan A. Sharpe Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management Pamela S. Straker Director of Human Resources

Lisa A. Hinson

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Clark Kellogg

Katie Wolfe Lloyd

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Change is a difficult concept to embrace.

With change often comes uncertainty, fear, and a longing to return to “normal.” As we move through 2020, we, as a community, a nation, and a world, remain in a constant state of change.

Life at home, work, and school looks so different, feels so different, is so different.

The Columbus Foundation was born amidst a sea of change. We remain steadfast in our commitment to see our community through uncertain times. While things around us continue to evolve, our goal remains the same—to help you help others.

We also recognize there are silver linings amidst these trying times, moments of collaboration, and triumph. Moments that allow us to lift others up, help our neighbors, and spread a little joy to those around us.

While we realize this change will continue, the Foundation will continue to do all we can to fulfill our mission of strengthening and improving our community, for all.

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1234 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43205-1453

Phone: 614/251-4000 Toll free: 1-866-263-6001 Fax: 614/251-4009

columbusfoundation.org

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